Boston Area Rape Crisis Center to honor Somerville volunteer

Tuesday

Oct 17, 2017 at 2:41 PMDec 14, 2017 at 10:05 AM

The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center announced that Somerville resident Walker Bristol will be honored as a Volunteer of the Year at its annual Champions for Change Gala & Auction on Nov. 3 at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. The event is a fundraiser to support BARCC’s direct services to survivors of sexual violence and its public education and advocacy work to enact social change.

Bristol is being recognized for work as a community awareness and prevention volunteer, a role in which Bristol works to increase public awareness of the issue of sexual assault, BARCC’s services and prevention strategies. Bristol will be honored alongside Enid Levangie, of Chestnut Hill, a hotline volunteer; and Ashley Wells, of Jamaica Plain, a medical advocate.

Robert M. Carney of Hull, a partner at Sherin and Lodgen, will be honored as the Champion for Change for his decade-long service as a generous ally to BARCC and advocate for survivors.

“Our annual Champions for Change Gala is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our most dedicated supporters, as well as the impact they have on survivors and the broader culture,” BARCC Executive Director Gina Scaramella said. “Through their outreach and education work, Walker helps make our communities safer. We’re extremely grateful for the generosity and skill of volunteers, like Walker, who make our work with survivors of sexual violence possible.”

The event will also feature Kalie Wilkerson, a survivor of sexual violence, speaking about her experience and how BARCC’s services changed her life.

Auctioneer Erin Ward will host live and silent auctions. Items available for auction include stays at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea and Westin Excelsior in Florence, Italy; four fifth-row seats for a Patriots game; tickets for a taping of Watch What Happens Live in New York City; an autographed Rob Gronkowski jersey; and several tropical and staycation adventures. Entertainment will be provided by Katie Zuman of DJZ Entertainment.